EP1682782B1 - Connecting device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

In furniture, especially at tables, the demand is often raised to connect corresponding plates variable. This is particularly important in the conference table area of particular importance. This often requires a slightly larger conference table depending on the number of participants. There are already table systems in use, which are composed of several individual tables and / or connecting plates, trailer plates, etc. To connect the individual table tops, for example, connectors are commercially available, which are connected on the one hand with the help of tools such as screwdrivers, etc. and / or with the help of a third part such as screws or star knobs. The disadvantage here, however, is that in part a tool is needed, which is to stockpile accordingly. On the other hand, the screws or star grips can be lost over time, so that in this case a connection of the table tops is no longer feasible.

In addition, tool-less connectors for tabletops are already in use. In these, however, is disadvantageous that they are set for special table programs, which significantly reduces their operational capability.
So revealed the GB 1,046,924 a connection device for furniture, wherein separate, differently formed components realized the connection of corresponding furniture.
The same applies to the US 4,348,130 A To, so here are two different components as a connector for joining furniture parts necessary.
The DE 1803365 relates to a lock for thick, plate-shaped elements, wherein the plate-shaped elements are provided for receiving a lock part.

The DE 620019 C relates to a connecting device according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein a locking element is guided in a guide element of a piece of furniture and generates a fixed connection with a corresponding counterpart of a second piece of furniture. In this case, an eccentrically mounted disc includes an abutment of the counterpart, so that a jamming during rotation of the eccentric disc is realized.
The disadvantage of such a connection device according to the prior art, however, is that the two furniture panels can not be combined with each other, but always a corresponding eccentric hub must interact with an abutment of an opposite furniture panel. In modern furniture, for example, for conference tables or the like as flexible as possible combination option should be realized, but this is disadvantageous.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention, in contrast, is to propose a connecting device by means of which furniture panels can be connected to one another without tools and independently of special table programs.
This object is achieved on the basis of a connecting device of the aforementioned type by the features of claim 1.
The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible.
Accordingly, a connecting device according to the invention is characterized in that the locking element is at least partially disposed between the first furniture panel and the first guide member, that a second locking element is at least partially disposed between the second furniture panel and the second guide member, wherein the two locking elements formed substantially identical are, and that the two guide elements are formed substantially identical, so that a substantially two furniture panels and two units comprising connecting device is realized, wherein the two units are generally identical.

With the help of the curved locking element, a rear engagement of the guide elements can be realized, so that a Verrasterung, jamming or bracing by means of an additional device is avoidable. As a result, a particularly simple implementation of a tool-free connection of furniture or table tops can be implemented.
According to the invention, the locking element is at least partially disposed between the furniture panel and the guide element. In this way, a particularly stable fixation can be realized and a particularly simple trained or shaped guide element produced and / or mounted on the furniture panel. In the invention, in particular, a region of the underside of the furniture panel is formed as a stop surface for the locking element. According to the invention, at least two locking elements are provided. This measure makes it possible, for example, for each guide element to be assigned in each case one locking element.
According to the invention, the two guide elements and the two locking elements are formed substantially identical. With the aid of this measure, a connecting device comprising substantially two furniture panels and two building units is realized, wherein the two building units are generally identical. The result is that the furniture panels can be connected or coupled with each other as desired, without having to pay attention to which unit has a plug and which unit has a receptacle for the plug. The latter is often necessary in connectors for furniture panels according to the prior art. This then leads to a unit being designed as a so-called father and a unit as a so-called mother, which must match each other.

In contrast, according to the invention, no corresponding "father-mother problem" arise, which makes the connection with the connecting device according to the invention significantly easier or more flexible to handle. Advantageously, the guide elements and / or the furniture panel each have at least one transverse to the direction of movement of the locking element stop surface for abutment of the locking element. With this measure, a mechanical, non-positive connection of the two guide elements or table tops is realized. The abutment surface can absorb transverse compressive forces and, if appropriate, surface-parallel frictional forces, which allows a particularly stable, firm connection or concatenation of the furniture or tabletops.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, the guide elements each have at least two, substantially orthogonally arranged stop surfaces. For example, the guide elements and / or the locking element each comprise at least one groove and / or a spring with the stop surfaces or the stop surfaces.
Advantageously, a mechanically fixed concatenation of the furniture panels is realized by the engagement of the guide elements by the locking element, so that the plates are securely connected to each other in a first spatial direction. Preferably, the stop surface or the stop surfaces are aligned such that they connect the two furniture panels also in the second and / or third spatial direction. As a result, for example, the furniture panels are drawn, inter alia, to a common level.

That is, the plates are advantageously concatenated without a jump or offset.

In a particular variant of the invention, the locking element is designed to be pivotable. Possibly, the locking element can pivot about a virtual or real axis of rotation. That is, as a real rotation axis, e.g. a hinge, pivoting mechanism with a rotation axis or rotating shaft, etc. or a virtual axis of rotation can be generated by virtue of an advantageous guide path producing a non-material, geometric axis of rotation about which the locking element rotates.

Advantageously, the locking element is formed largely parallel or in a plane parallel to the furniture plate pivotally. With this measure, an advantageous alignment of the pivoting movement is achieved. Furthermore, hereby the connection of the furniture panels is facilitated on a level, since the guide elements are advantageously arranged parallel to the plates advantageous.

Preferably, at least a portion of the cross section of the guide element forms a circular section, ring or circle segment or the like. With this measure, a particularly simple guide along a curved path can be formed, wherein the guideway can be formed as a circle or circle. Corresponding elements can be produced particularly easily. It is possible that these elements are produced by means of turning processes or the like. In addition, corresponding elements can be produced by casting, wherein optionally in the production of negative molds rotating methods can be used.

In general, as materials for the individual elements of the connecting device plastics, metals such as aluminum, steel, brass, etc., wood and / or the like can be provided. Preferably, corresponding elements made of plastic and / or metal are produced in the casting process. Advantageously, a gap or distance is formed in the connected state of the furniture panels between the two guide elements. In particular, this gap causes a single furniture panel not connected to another furniture panel to have a guide element offset relative to the connecting edge, so that the guide element at least partially disappears from the viewing area. Furthermore, the accuracy of the mounting position of the guide elements or the exact flush alignment of the longitudinal edge of the guide elements with respect to the furniture panel edge can be reduced by this measure and thus the assembly can be simplified.
Advantageously, in the connected state of the furniture panels form the two locking elements substantially a circle or semicircle, wherein at least one, preferably two locking elements are aligned transversely to the connecting edge of the furniture panel. By the two locking elements, which are generally aligned transversely to the connecting edge of the furniture panels, a particularly stable or resilient connection of the two furniture panels is realized.

In principle, the connection can be arranged along one side and / or in the corner region of a furniture panel. If the connection is arranged at the corner, the corresponding guide element preferably covers an angle range of approximately 90 ° or one quarter of a circle. In the lateral arrangement of the compound, the guide element preferably covers an angular range of about 180 ° or a semicircle. Preferably, at least one latching unit is provided for latching the locking element with the guide element. With the help of a catch unit one or more defined predetermined locking positions of the locking element can be adjusted. These locking positions can be used for advantageous functions or possibilities of handling or use of the connecting device according to the invention. For example, a defined closed and / or open position can be determined by means of the grid. In general, the locking of the locking element prevents its unintentional adjustment, so that both an accidental protrusion and an inadvertent sliding in of the locking element is effectively prevented in the guide element. For example, the detent unit comprises a spring-damper element, such as e.g. a spiral, sheet and / or plastic or metal spring, with the aid of which and an advantageous recess a latching is realized.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the latch unit comprises at least one latching position, in which the Bar element has a projecting beyond the furniture plate supernatant. Preferably, the projection beyond the edge of the furniture panel is smaller than the distance of the opposite guide element to the edge of its furniture panel. This means, in particular, that the projection is formed smaller than half the gap between the two cooperating guide elements. This results in that the locking element is indeed beyond the corresponding furniture panel out, but not with the other or second guide element is connectable.

For example, a furniture plate with a second guide element can be placed or stored on the projection of the correspondingly positioned locking element of the first guide element in a first step. In a subsequent second step, the locking element of the first guide element can be connected to the second guide element in an advantageous manner. This makes it possible that a single person inserts or mounted, for example, between two tables, each with a furniture plate having a connector according to the invention without Tischfuß. This means that a so-called one-man operation is possible, inter alia, for a comprehensive or variable conference table system or the like. This is a significant facilitation in assembling / disassembling a desk top system such as a desk top. in conference table systems, etc.

Advantageously, at least one blocking unit is provided for blocking the adjustment of the locking element relative to the guide element. With the help of this blocking unit, an adjustment of the locking element can be completely prevented. For example, an unintentional and / or an adjustment beyond a predetermined point can be effectively prevented. Preferably, the blocking unit comprises an end stop for setting a End position of the locking element, eg a fully open and / or closed position. Possibly, the blocking unit comprises a toothing, etc. for blocking the locking element in several positions. With these variants of the invention, in particular an unintentional loss or release of the locking element is effectively prevented. As a result, an automatic disassembly of the locking element is prevented.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the blocking unit has a blocking groove and a Anschlaganformung or a stop pin or the like, wherein the locking element, a part of the blocking unit and the guide member, the other part is arranged. The stop pin is in this case preferably adjustable along the blocking groove and abuts at least at one, preferably at the two ends of the blocking groove, to corresponding blocking stops. As a result, a blockage of the locking element is implemented particularly easily.

Advantageously, at least one holding unit is provided for holding the locking element together with the guide element. The blocking unit may comprise the holding unit. On the other hand, a separate holding unit can be provided. For example, the blocking unit prevents the adjustment or release of the locking element from the guide element in a spatial direction, preferably in the direction of Verstellweges and the holding unit prevents the adjustment or release of the locking element from the guide element in one or two other, in particular orthogonal to the aforementioned aligned spatial directions. As a result, a release of the locking element of the guide element, the furniture panel or the furniture during operation or use is completely prevented.

Preferably, the latch unit is designed as the holding unit. This multifunctional design of the unit reduces the number of parts used, so that a structurally and economically favorable implementation of the invention is realized. For example, the latch unit comprises a plastic leaf spring, which is designed such that it also holds the locking element in the direction transverse to the adjustment directions.

Advantageously, the locking element on at least one Anformung or nose and / or recess or recess for adjusting the locking element. By thus achieved improved handling a comparatively easy adjustment of the locking element is made possible.

In general, according to the invention, the connecting device or the connector can be attached to any furniture panels or furniture systems and / or retrofitted.

Preferably, a guide and a locking element is designed as a fitting for furniture or furniture panels. Hereby, any furniture or furniture panels, especially table tops or the like with correspondingly advantageous fittings off and / or be retrofitted. A significant change in the furniture panels is not necessary here. For example, the guide elements are fixed by means of fixing elements, such as e.g. Screws, rivets, pins, nails or the like, and / or fixed by means of a bond to furniture panels. This means that separate units with at least one guide and a locking element attached or fixed to furniture panels.

If necessary, e.g. merely to provide advantageous holes on the furniture panels to improve the fixation by means of screws. Elaborate recesses of furniture panels such as grooves, milling or the like need not be provided. This simplifies the implementation and at the same time increases the stability of the chaining. Corresponding furniture panels are often made of chipboard or the like, which are relatively easily impaired or wear when guiding the locking element and under load.

Basically, with separately attachable to the furniture plate guide and / or locking elements, such as metal and / or plastic, the stability and wear significantly improved and thus prolongs the life significantly.

embodiment

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing and will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS.

• Figur 1 eine schematische Ansicht zweier miteinander verbundener Tischplatten gemäß einer erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 2 einen schematischen Schnitt durch die Anordnung gemäß Figur 1,
• Figur 3 einen weiteren, schematischen Schnitt durch die Anordnung gemäß Figur 1
• Figur 4 eine schematische Ansicht mit Schnittdarstellungen eines Führungselementes einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 5 eine schematische Ansicht mit Schnittdarstellungen eines Riegelelementes der zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 6 schematische Ansichten eines Führungs- und Riegelelementes einer dritten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 7 schematische Ansichten eines Führungselementes der dritten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung,
• Figur 8 schematische Ansichten eines Riegelelementes der dritten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung und
• Figur 9 eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer Rastsicherung der dritten erfindungsgemäßen Verbindungsvorrichtung.

In detail shows:

• FIG. 1 a schematic view of two interconnected table tops according to a connecting device according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a schematic section through the arrangement according to FIG. 1 .
• FIG. 3 a further schematic section through the arrangement according to FIG. 1
• FIG. 4 a schematic view with sectional views of a guide element of a second connecting device according to the invention,
• FIG. 5 a schematic view with sectional views of a locking element of the second connecting device according to the invention,
• FIG. 6 schematic views of a guide and locking element of a third connecting device according to the invention,
• FIG. 7 schematic views of a guide element of the third connecting device according to the invention,
• FIG. 8 schematic views of a locking element of the third connecting device according to the invention and
• FIG. 9 a schematic, perspective view of a safety catch of the third connecting device according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 a section of a connecting device according to the invention is shown. Guide elements 4, 5 are fixed to a furniture panel 1 and a furniture panel 2. For fixing, the guide elements 4, 5 according to the embodiment for this purpose recesses 3, in which, for example, in each case a screw or the like can be introduced or lowered. For reasons of clarity, the representation of corresponding screws, etc. was omitted. The connecting device comprises in particular two guide elements 4 and 5, each having two recesses 3 for fixing to the corresponding plate 1 and 2 respectively. The two guide elements 4, 5 are in the locked state according to FIG. 1 spaced by a gap 6 from each other. Here, each guide element 4 and 5 from a connecting edge 7 is almost equidistant. It is conceivable for mounting the guide elements 4, 5 on the plate 1, 2 to use a gauge, which is applied to the table edge and has a gradation, to which in turn the guide element 4, 5 is to be applied. Due to the gradation of the teaching, the distance to the edge or half the gap width is thus determined.
The guide elements 4 and 5 are each formed as a circular section, wherein the two guide elements 4 and 5 together with the gap 6 generate a largely circular arrangement. That is, these 4, 5 each cover an angular range of about 180 °. Not one Corner connectors shown in contrast, it would be about 90 °. For connection between the two guide elements 4, 5, two bars 8 and 9 are provided, which are arranged substantially transversely to the table edges 7 in the locked position. As a result, the two bars 8 and 9 engage behind the two guide elements 4 and 5 in such a way that the two tabletops 1 and 2 are firmly interlinked transversely to the table edges 7.

FIG. 2 represents a section of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 in which the arrangement was cut along the line AA. For clarity, was on the presentation of the bars 8 and 9 in FIG. 2 waived. In FIG. 2 It is clear that the guide elements 4 and 5 each have at least one groove 10 or spring 11, in which the bars 8 and 9 are guided.

At the same time it is clear that the bars 8 and 9 are to be arranged between the guide element 4 and 5 and the corresponding table top 1 and 2 respectively. By these measures, both the table tops 1, 2 and the guide elements 4, 5 stop surfaces 12, along which the bars 8 and 9 are guided and fixed transversely to these. By this partially orthogonal to each other arranged stops 12 and by the engaging behind the guide elements 4 and 5 by the latch 8 and 9, a mechanically stable concatenation of the table tops 1 and 2 is realized in all three spatial directions.

In FIG. 3 is a section along the line BB according to FIG. 1 shown, with the illustration of the guide elements 4 and 5 has been omitted for reasons of clarity. The bars 8 and 9 each have a groove 13 and spring 14, which fit into the grooves 10 and springs 11 of the guide elements 4 and 5, so that an advantageous guide along the guide directions 15 and 16 is realized.

Furthermore, the illustration clarifies according to FIG. 1 in that the latches 8 and 9 extend over an angular segment corresponding to the angular segment of the guide elements 4 and 5, respectively. This ensures that when adjusting the bolt 8, 9 along the guide directions 15, 16 in an unlocked position end faces 17 and 18 of the bolt 8, 9 largely flush or flush with edges 19 and 20 of the guide elements 4, fifth can align. It is achieved a complete decoupling or unlocking of the two furniture panels 1 and 2 respectively.

It is conceivable that the bolt 8, 9 without in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown in more detail, projecting in the radial direction lugs or projections, by means of which an adjustment along the guide direction 15 and 16 is achieved. The connection device set forth in the exemplary embodiment has two largely identical guide elements 4, 5 and 8, 9, so that two identical units arise in the released position. As a result, in contrast to the prior art, no so-called "father-mother problem" occur. This means that when chaining two table tops, it is not necessary to pay attention to which connector part is present on which table top.

In the FIGS. 4 and 5 second embodiments of guide elements 4, 5 and locking elements 8, 9 are shown. Here, like reference numerals denote in the FIGS. 1 to 3 shown comparable parts. In the FIGS. 4 and 5 For reasons of clarity, the furniture panels 1, 2 are not shown.

Unlike the variants according to FIGS. 1 to 3 show the variants of FIGS. 4 and 5 in particular a screening 21, engages in a detent not shown. The latch is pressed by a leaf spring in the grid. The entire unit of locking lug and leaf spring is made of plastic, for example. At the same time, the entire unit can be designed such that it, inter alia, by means of fixations 22 and with a projection, not shown, the bolt 8, 9 with the guide member 4, 5 transverse to the adjustment 15, 16 together.

With the grids 21a, an intermediate position of the bolt 4, 5 is realized, wherein this projecting in a manner not shown something about the plate 1, 2, so that a single plate 1, 2 can be stored on the supernatant.

A nose 23 and recesses 24 of the bolt 8, 9 facilitate an adjustment or locking and / or releasing the lock. In the illustrated variant, the nose 23 has an optional recess 25 to be provided.

To block the latch 8, 9 with the respective guide element, these have a hollow groove 27 of the spring 14 and a stop pin 26. The stop pin 26 is formed in this variant as Anformung the guide element 4, 5 in the bottom of the groove 10. The stop pin 26 is in the end position at the end 28 of the hollow groove 27, so that a secure determination of the end position ensures and thus inadvertent loss of the bolt 4, 5 is effectively prevented.

In the FIGS. 6 to 9 are third embodiments of guide elements 4, 5 and locking elements 8, 9 shown. Here, like reference numerals denote in the FIGS. 1 to 5 shown comparable parts. In the FIGS. 6 to 9 For reasons of clarity, the furniture panels 1, 2 are not shown.

Unlike the variants according to FIGS. 1 to 5 show the variants of FIGS. 6 to 9 in particular in the outer region of the guide elements 4, 5 lying recesses 3 or holes 3, with which the guide elements 4, 5 can be fixed to a planar furniture panel. For example, by means of the bores 3, a screw or the like can be provided for screwing the guide element to the furniture panel. The comparatively large distance between the recesses 3 improves the fixation of the guide element on the furniture panel. Furthermore, in this variant of the invention, the guide element 4, 5 circumferentially and the locking element 8, 9 arranged inside or center. FIG. 6 shows the assembled guide and locking elements in a perspective view as well as in plan view. In the plan view according to FIG. 6b In addition, a fuse 29 is listed. This is in FIG. 9 shown in perspective, in particular a Rasnase 30 is shown for locking with the screening 21 of the guide element 4, 5 and corresponding recesses.

The locking lug 30 of the fuse 29 is pressed by means of a leaf spring 31 against the screening 21 of the guide element 4, 5. Preferably, the fuse is made of plastic and / or spring-elastic metal. Furthermore, the fuse 29 comprises a retaining lug 32 for holding the latches 8, 9 together with the respective guide element 4, 5 in the state not fixed to the furniture panel 1, 2. In fixed to the plate 1, 2 state, the retaining lug 32 is essentially without function. The retaining lug 32 thus facilitates storage, transport and assembly.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

plate

2

plate

3

recess

4

guide element

5

guide element

6

gap

7

edge

8th

bars

9

bars

10

groove

11

feather

12

attack

13

groove

14

feather

15

guide direction

16

guide direction

17

face

18

face

19

edge

20

edge

21

scanning

22

fixation

23

nose

24

deepening

25

recess

26

stop pin

27

hollow groove

28

The End

29

fuse

30

locking lug

31

leaf spring

32

retaining nose

Claims (15)

1. Connecting device having a locking element (8), having a first guide element (4), which is arranged on a first furniture panel (1) and is intended for guiding the locking element (8), wherein the locking element (8) is designed in the form of a curved locking element (8, 9), wherein the first guide element (4) has at least one curved, first guide region for guiding the locking element (8), and having a second guide element (5), which is arranged on a second furniture panel (2) and has a curved, second guide region for guiding the locking element (8), characterized in that the locking element (8) is arranged, at least in part, between the first furniture panel (1) and the first guide element (4), in that a second locking element (9) is arranged, at least in part, between the second furniture panel (2) and the second guide element (5), wherein the two locking elements (8, 9) are of essentially identical design, and in that the two guide elements (4, 5) are of essentially identical design, a connecting device comprising essentially two furniture panels and two structural units therefore being realized, wherein the two structural units are generally identical.
2. Connecting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the guide elements (4, 5) and/or the furniture panel (1, 2) each have at least one stop surface (12), which is oriented transversely to the movement direction (15, 16) of the locking element (8, 9) and against which the locking element (8, 9) stops.
3. Connecting device according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (4, 5) each have at least two stop surfaces (12) arranged essentially orthogonally in relation to one another.
4. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (4, 5) and/or the locking element (8, 9) each have at least one groove (10, 13) and/or a tongue (11, 14) with the stop surface (12).
5. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (8, 9) is guided in a pivotable manner.
6. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking element (8, 9) is guided in a pivotable manner for the most part parallel to the furniture panel.
7. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one region of the cross section of the guide element (4, 5) forms part of the circle.
8. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the furniture panels (1, 2) are in the connected state, a gap (6) is formed between the two guide elements (4, 5).
9. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the furniture panels (1, 2) are in the connected state, the two locking elements (8, 9) essentially form a circle.
10. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one latching unit is provided for latching the locking element (8, 9) to the guide element (4, 5).
11. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching unit comprises at least one latching position in which the locking element (8, 9) has a projection which protrudes beyond the furniture panel (1, 2).
12. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one blocking unit is provided for blocking the adjustment of the locking element (8, 9) in relation to the guide element (4, 5).
13. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one retaining unit is provided for holding the locking element (8, 9) and the guide element (4, 5) together.
14. Connecting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the latching unit is designed in the form of the retaining unit.
15. Piece of furniture having at least one connecting device which is intended for connecting furniture panels (1, 2) and is arranged on at least one furniture panel (1, 2), characterized in that the connecting device is designed according to one of the preceding claims.

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